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francodomenico
born: Argentina
Raised in USA. Studied at St. Ignatius Acadamy.
Family: Italian-Argentine
Talents: Musician/Stunts/Linguistics
Played in Bit Parts:
1) Nel blu, dipinto di Blu(1959)Boy with Trumpet
2 Young Lovers (1965) Playing Cornet
3 TR BASKIN (1970) Stunts
Reviews
The Dick Powell Show: Price of Tomatoes (1962)
"The Price of Tomatoes-" Dimitre Fresco -Peter Falk
I saw this only one time, when I was about 10 years old, and frankly I was so moved by Peter Falk's performance. He played an Italian-American truck driver working in the Produce Business, and he came across a very "expecting mother to be" and a myriad of vignettes ensued. That is all I remember, except for the very last scene, I think he was in competition to get his produce to market before a competitor was attempting to do the same, and after the delays and Peter Falk's worry during the mishaps and his own delays, he passes one of this major competitors who had a break-down on the way, and Peter Falk shouts, "Get a Horse-" in closing scene.
Peter Falk was truly one of America's gems during that time. I became a fan of his since that very day I saw that episode.
It's nearly 52 years ago since I first saw that, and it left a lasting impression on me, particularly since I am of Italian-American heritage-
The Luck of Ginger Coffey (1964)
I believe Roxanne Tellier's comments...
tell it all! And what a wonderful, and completely factual appraisal of what a miracle the USA/Canada have been for Immigrants--"before Political Correctness" caused us to be very much less candid about the truth of the matter--and more concerned with the superficiality of the "acceptance" of the society.
The one aspect to the Quebecois' comment at the bar, was when Ginger was asked, "Do you speak French?" and Ginger's reply was, "Well, I can parlez vous enough to get by.."; the French-Canadian summed it up perfectly: "That's the problem with this country; we learn English, you never learn French-"! This is a wonderful movie- NOTE all of the US Built Automobiles in Quebec; much before they were manufacturing them in Canada as many of them are now.
Great Comment, Roxanne; and Wonderful Movie!
The Heatwave Lasted Four Days (1975)
A true sleeper
Reporter and Cameraman Cliff Reynolds(Pinsent), while filming at Montreal's Municipal Beach during the Summer Heatwave of '74, coincidentally photographs recent prison escapee, Jerry Cuozzo(Lawrence Dane). A series of vignettes ensue, starting with Reynolds' averice and curiosity. Cuozzo and his friend-girl's paranoia of getting caught, ushers in a plethora of bad judgment calls, along with some "hit-and-miss" shooting from the hip decisions. Never the less, Cuozzo(Dane) has a lot on his plate, and seems to do quite well: First, to allude the police, double-cross his former mobster associates and throw them off the trail, and complete a "deal" regarding a certain Shipment from France of "guess what?" Not a particularly novel theme, but Alexandra Stewart and Domini Blythe are great to watch-They are both very pretty. This is a real sleeper and worth watching.
Lawrence Dane is exceptional. He must be of Italian origins. Canada has a huge Italian population.
Canada usually excels in many other areas, other than movie-making, but this one is very good. It is a NFB of Canada production. They are usually very good.
Try not to miss this one.
Music is great, too. Typically 1970's, right from Hollywood!
I hope Pinsent and Dane--along with the two gorgeous girls are still going strong!
The Outer Limits: ZZZZZ (1964)
Excellent, Exotic Joanna Frank as Queen Bee...
...attempting to advance the "Bee World" by luring an entomologist, Ben(Philip Abbott)to fall in love with her--Only Problem: He is married.
Excellent Commentary on Humanities by the "Voice" at end of the Episode- reminiscent of Communism being anti-human: "...without love, drones can never be men, and men can only be drones..."
PS: I have always been in "love" with Joanna Frank--She looks like an Italian Princess!
Philip Abbott is a wonderful actor, who unfortunately recently passed away. And, pay close attention to "Regina's"(Frank) facial expressions, and how she really looks like a Bee.
There is one incredibly sensual clip of her jumping around a bed of Lille's in the garden of her employer's residence. Don't miss it.
She was only 19 years old when she played "Regina."
Crime Wave (1953)
Extremely Underrated Acting...
on the Part of Gene Nelson; well known for his Dancing-- In any event, Sterling Hayden's performance is not bad, considering he is NOT one of the best Actors in the World-- Watch this actor's cool demeanor, and "human frailty" of unable to quit smoking! It is quite Comical--
Charles Bronson is, as always, menacing, at best!
Where on earth can I find this movie??
Phyllis Kirk is great as Gene Nelson's wife; and the scene as one of the "thugs" is pumping Gas at a Union 76 Station is very good.
You can see the old Los Angeles electric trolley buses pulling out of the station in the ultimate scene.
I hope someone out there can find this on VHS-
If so, let me know
francodomenico@cs.com
Thanks
An American in Canada (2002)
I don't want to be too harsh...
...but, I think this show has a great potential. In fact, Ms. Joy does a nice job, as do most of the cast. I think the writers have to do away with some of the hokey lines--and stop making the American the knit-wit and the Canadians the Slick ones! Usually Americans do play a "heavy-hand" when it comes to Canada; but not in this interpersonal way. In fact, it has been my experience Canadians have a bit more of a insecurity regarding Identity than Americans do. And Canadians and Americans are really great to one another. There are great Canadians comedians, and fine writers that can draw some niceties that exist between our two GREAT countries, without the silly, churlish put-downs. We Americans have ENOUGH of this on our Primetime; it is not necessary that CANADA follow that trend. In fact, NOW is the time for Canada to show it's INDEPENDENCE- from
Silly, Dumb, putdown American Sit-Coms!
Don't give it up. It has potential. And the actors are pretty good.
Francesco Domenico Lisanti Hollywood, Florida
Giv'a 24 Eina Ona (1955)
I really Liked this movie...
Yes; sometimes the acting was hokey; but the Music at the Beginning; and, the Suttle, but kind interrelations between the "worn-out" British hanging on to their "inheritence" from WWI, and the Zeal by which the Europeans who found themselves just fortunate to be alive, after surviving the nightmare of Hitler's Europe, are Again called to fight for their Survival- Michael Shillo--who plays Yehuda Berger, does a marvellous job as a Polish Refugee, barely surviving a clandestine Landing at the Haifa coast, and Finally becoming an Officer in the Newly formed Army of Israel. I liked that actor the best. I only wish I knew more of his work. Maybe he lives in USA; and IF so, Write me!
I loved Haya Harareet, too---But the Prettiest lady in the Movie is Shoshana Domari--she Plays a Druze lady--She was "Miss Israel Bonds" in the Early 50's!
Also, the Little Yemenite Beauty, I think is Gorgeous! She is my type- I guess because I am part Italian! She, too, went on to become quite a Dancer and her family is well known in Israel these days, as accomplished dancers.
I hope you can see the movie. It is very good.
Mulhare is excellent, too. Watch for this line:"...Finnegan--Is that English?"
"...hell, no."!
ALSO: This Movie IS available on DVD (NTSC) and VHS(NTSC).
The Invaders (1967)
Roy Thinnes is great-
I think Roy Thinnes' role as "David Vincent" was unsurpassed; it is awfully difficult to appraise one's acting ability when the role they play has never, ever been played before--By anyone! I mean, Acting is an art of "role" playing-Mimicking- How does one confront such a disturbing revelation, as discovering
that Alien beings have infiltrated the earth, especially, when they look exactly(almost)as we do? His bewildered look, and keen reactions--and sometimes, non-reactions, were the hallmark of his craft- I think he was underestimated as an actor- His "down-to-earth" behavior is perhaps his saving grace.
Maybe it is a blessing in disguise- Actors today are wrapped up in their own self-certifying egos; and their idiot pride usually accellerates their status of, "Who was that?" after only a few years of practice. Roy, on the other hand, is impossible to forget- Ask anyone who is between the ages of 45 and 60, today if they know who Roy Thinnes is--or "DAVID VINCENT"--and I bet almost everyone will say,
"THE INVADERS"! The Show itself had promise- Perhaps, if I were to rewrite it, I would have opted for a more Soap-Opera, serial "hook" to follow a sequence- The Aliens seemed to have no plan- but, for the Obvious-Take over the world- Some episodes were comical! Donald Davis played a funny kind of Alien-- and, most had no sense of Humor-but, even some of the Women Aliens were too weird to be true. Their gadgets were cool. Spinning Crystal hypno-beams to extract info for interrogation was cool; and the "Death-Disc" was sinister, to say the least- The Ray Guns were clumsy the first season; new model in '68- The Aliens'willingness to commit suicide, unquestionably, was also odd. The Aliens also seemed to be good fighters, in a fist-fight; but also, died easily when wounded or shot- Roy Thinnes is from Chicago--and his accent came through--! It was cool- and here is a kicker--I am related to him! My mother's family is "THINNES" from Wisconsin; then Illinois--and yes--it is the same Family, originally from Luxembourg! I hope only one day to meet him, and introduce him to my son, Dominic- He is a Fan of "The Invaders"! as am I! Try to find these on Video--they are worth it- Nothing Gross, or Evil--just good, wholesome science fiction, at it's best- FrancoDomenico Lisanti
Cléo de 5 à 7 (1962)
Look a bit deeper...
Virtue came out of the 1960's, and certainly, Varda's idea of this lady's plight is as old as life itself; but look thorougly, and you will see a bit of all of us, who are afraid of our own fate--especially, when it comes to our own survival-- The reflection upon that which we take for granted creeps in; but the disappointment is, for such an avant-garde era--especially from France--this is about a very self-centered person, who is all about herself-- and My impression, is Marchand is not that good an actress; she is just playing herself-- Sorry for being so harsh; but I used to be a child actor in Italy, and in spite of all of the "virtuous causes" artists and Actors seem to attach themselves; it is a dark corner of self-centered, pompous, self-certified hypocrates--so, Maybe Varda got it right-By accident!
Francesco Domenico Lisanti
La balance (1982)
Underestimated--
The psychological techniques of the Chief Inspector Palouzi(Richard Berry)and his sometimes cruel, but equally compassionate portrayal of a decent human being, "just doing his job" was quite well done--Hat's off to Bob Swain--Chicago's own! Berry-himself of French-Algerian decent, is very smooth; and his mature attitude--not arrogance--is what pulls him though. The Acting by Nathalie Baye and the late Philippe Leotard was also excellent. Some of the chases and Arrests were Hokey-but, the Overwhelming theme here is the true devotion of a Woman(Baye) to her Man(Leotard). We need more stories about devotion to People, rather than Devotion to careers or even countries-- No displaced loyalties here--Baye's acting was superb, and I am married to a very devoted woman, so I identify with her loyalty to "Dede"!
Does anyone Know what Richard Barry(Benguigui) is doing these days? He is a fine actor. Bon Chance to all! Try and see this one, if you haven't already seen it.
Tiger Bay (1959)
Great Movie--
This is definitely one of the Greatest movies ever made. In spite of a fairly "hokey" theme, The Acting and the Continuity of the actors themselves are of a genre long past.
NOTE the British Actor, George Pastell's Spanish Accent, Very Destinctively that of Someone who obviously studied Spanish In Spain-- and Actor Paul Stassino's "Italianized" Spanish!! I loved it!
Even Buchholz' Polish is good!
The Seedy atmosphere of England' Industrial North, and The Actress, "Shari" of whom I have Never ever seen again, are of the Likes no one has ever seen of Quality such as this.
The Father Mills and his Daughter, Haley-working together is also underestimated, too.
Find this one, and Tape it! I have a Clean, and Crisp Copy of this one--Found at WDZL Channel 39,
Miami-Ft. Lauderdale--and it is definately one of My Prize Possesions.
By the way, can Anyone tell me, what ever happened to George Pastell and Paul Stassino?
Intent to Kill (1958)
This is a sleeper!
Catch this one, if you can. The acting is not that good; but, there is some comic relief in the way th would-be assassins blunder everything! Also, Warren Stevens is a Great, great actor--and, I know he did a huge amount of work in TV, but what an underestimated actor!
It is an American production, and they employed a lot of Local Canadian extras---Poor idea--Canadians probably "can" act; but not in this one.
Keep an eye on Herbert Lom--Awesome! Carlo Giustini is a handsome Italian actor--but, again, not a very good actor, either.
It is a little dramatic with the "wife" routine--sort of a la soap opera--but, If you find see this movie--I know you will love it.
The Snorkel (1958)
Great Acting--
Can Anyone tell me what happened to Betta St.John? She was so,so underestimated. What a fine actress and pretty, to boot.
Wasn't Mandy Miller awesome? She was just 15 when she made this movie- The scenary of the Italian Riviera is also gorgeous.
And, Swiss-born (of Lebanese ancestry) Arslan is Great as an Italian Inspector of Police--
This movie is often played in the middle of the night on Channel 39 Ft. Lauderdale/Miami--
Hope everyone who loves good movies sees this one.
Van Eyck! I think he must have wrote this one--For himself!!!
My Big Fat Greek Life (2003)
Give it a Chance--
This often happens with a movie follow-up; but the potential is there- particularly, with Nia's performance, and the overall talent-- And, Constantine! He is just wonderful! As an Italian, I can Identify with the whole "Greek-Thing" and it is a sweet,and refreshing look at Ethnicity; so, let's give it a chance.
I am the eternal optimist--and look, there are a lot of Italian and Greek actors and actresses that can work in this show--Marina Sirtis-- and perhaps ME! YES!! I would work it, just to be in the same room with Constantine! I was a Child Actor in Italy--Francesco Domenico Lisanti!
Now, with Rita Moreno coming aboard--God, I have been in love with her since I first saw a Movie in Italy called "The Ring", about a Mexican-American prizefighter!
Nia--and Gang--Hang in there--Greeks are not Quiters! Efharsito!
La novia de primavera (1942)
Sweet Movie about a Young Girl reaching Maturity
Nicely done; overly dramatic. Typical of my Native Argentina, particularly for that time. Sweet interchanges with Parents, which is refreshing compared to today's cynical, almost abusive conduct portrayed between husbands and wives. One thing that stands out, though. How could Mexican Born Actress Maria Duval be born in 1939, when this movie was made in 1942, and she clearly was in her late teens? Who is lying? Worth watching for the Argentine or Italian audiences. Even the general Hispanic audiences might get lost in the "translation" even though it is in Spanish!!